How Do I Make My Money Stretch?
Here's a little about me. I'm a single mom. I have a decent job. However, the area I live in is expensive. I'm sure you're probably wondering why we don't just move. Well, my kids and I have a good life here. Over the years, I've learned how to make a dollar stretch while not forcing my kids to eat Ramen constantly (which they would probably actually enjoy).
1) We don't go out to eat constantly. We will go out to a nice restaurant maybe once every week or two. However, we won't go during dinner hours when the menu prices are at their highest. Instead, we will either go for lunch or during happy hour when the prices are lower and there are usually really good half price specials.
2) When I buy meat at the grocery store, I buy the huge family packs. They are usually cheaper by the pound and most of the time on sale as well. When I get them home, I won't freeze the entire pack. I will take a little time and break it up into smaller portions that I would cook for one meal. I'll then place them in a ziplock bag and freeze. That way, I save money and don't have to worry about having to immediately use the whole package when it's thawed.
3) I will buy some groceries at the Dollar Tree. Yes, you read that correctly. I said the Dollar Tree. Our local one usually has items such as 18 pk eggs and loaves of bread. I'll also buy items such as dish detergent. I don't have to buy the name brand, as the cheaper stuff gets the job done.
4) Instead of stopping at Starbucks for my iced coffee every morning, I'll make my own. I'll brew a pot of regular black coffee, let it cool a bit, and then pour it into a container and put it in the fridge. In the mornings, I'll fill up my travel mug with ice, the coffee, and pre-mixed flavored creamer. If I want a frozen coffee, I just blend it with a little extra ice.
5) I don't buy the cute single-serving packs of snacks for my kids' lunches. Instead, I'll do the same as I do for the meat. I'll buy the family-size bags and divvy them up into smaller portions.
6) I can't remember the last time I bought paper towels. My mother thinks I'm insane because she used them for everything. We will use them as napkins, but when it comes to spills, I prefer to use a rag or sponge that I can rinse out or wash. Not only does this save me money, it also cuts down on trash that ends up in the landfill.
7) I cut the cable. I haven't had cable tv in a year and a half. One would think that my kids miss it. However, we do have internet. In between Netflix, Hulu, and an Amazon Fire Stick, there is never a shortage of things to watch. (I am NOT being paid to recommend any of these services)
8) We live in an area where we have 2 seasons: summer and hurricane. It is always hot here. Running the A/C makes the electricity go up considerably. But we need it. I don't see it as an indulgence. And yes, I know that there are many many many people who do not have that wonderful machine that makes your home nice and cool. I am not one of the individuals who can live without it. I have found, though, that keeping it on a consistent temperature keeps it from having to work so hard. Most of the power use is in the compressor working itself to death in order to cool down the house.
These are just a few things that I do on a regular basis to save money. I'll add more as I think of them. If you have any tricks of your own, I'd love to hear them.
Have a happy day!!
1) We don't go out to eat constantly. We will go out to a nice restaurant maybe once every week or two. However, we won't go during dinner hours when the menu prices are at their highest. Instead, we will either go for lunch or during happy hour when the prices are lower and there are usually really good half price specials.
2) When I buy meat at the grocery store, I buy the huge family packs. They are usually cheaper by the pound and most of the time on sale as well. When I get them home, I won't freeze the entire pack. I will take a little time and break it up into smaller portions that I would cook for one meal. I'll then place them in a ziplock bag and freeze. That way, I save money and don't have to worry about having to immediately use the whole package when it's thawed.
3) I will buy some groceries at the Dollar Tree. Yes, you read that correctly. I said the Dollar Tree. Our local one usually has items such as 18 pk eggs and loaves of bread. I'll also buy items such as dish detergent. I don't have to buy the name brand, as the cheaper stuff gets the job done.
4) Instead of stopping at Starbucks for my iced coffee every morning, I'll make my own. I'll brew a pot of regular black coffee, let it cool a bit, and then pour it into a container and put it in the fridge. In the mornings, I'll fill up my travel mug with ice, the coffee, and pre-mixed flavored creamer. If I want a frozen coffee, I just blend it with a little extra ice.
5) I don't buy the cute single-serving packs of snacks for my kids' lunches. Instead, I'll do the same as I do for the meat. I'll buy the family-size bags and divvy them up into smaller portions.
6) I can't remember the last time I bought paper towels. My mother thinks I'm insane because she used them for everything. We will use them as napkins, but when it comes to spills, I prefer to use a rag or sponge that I can rinse out or wash. Not only does this save me money, it also cuts down on trash that ends up in the landfill.
7) I cut the cable. I haven't had cable tv in a year and a half. One would think that my kids miss it. However, we do have internet. In between Netflix, Hulu, and an Amazon Fire Stick, there is never a shortage of things to watch. (I am NOT being paid to recommend any of these services)
8) We live in an area where we have 2 seasons: summer and hurricane. It is always hot here. Running the A/C makes the electricity go up considerably. But we need it. I don't see it as an indulgence. And yes, I know that there are many many many people who do not have that wonderful machine that makes your home nice and cool. I am not one of the individuals who can live without it. I have found, though, that keeping it on a consistent temperature keeps it from having to work so hard. Most of the power use is in the compressor working itself to death in order to cool down the house.
These are just a few things that I do on a regular basis to save money. I'll add more as I think of them. If you have any tricks of your own, I'd love to hear them.
Have a happy day!!
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